Former Nigeria midfielder Mutiu Adepoju reportedly challenged the Super Eagles to show they can perform without striker Victor Osimhen as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying begins.
Officials said Osimhen was pulled from the squad after failing to recover in time from a muscle problem. The Nigeria Football Federation announced the change on Sunday, noting that his Turkish club Galatasaray had informed the coaching staff that he would not be fit for the international window. Adepoju said losing a player of his caliber is a setback, but stressed that the national team has sufficient talent to cover the gap.
The Super Eagles will start the campaign under head coach Eric Chelle with a home game against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, followed by an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Adepoju also referenced Nigeria missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, stating that the current squad understands the disappointment felt by supporters. He described the upcoming qualifiers as a chance to rebuild trust and give fans something to celebrate.
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